The first part of this volume focuses on biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, functions, properties and applications of miscellaneous polymers, such as hemozoin, thymine-containing styrene polymers, polythioesters, polyphosphate, polyhydroxymethionine, polyketides, and natural polyacetals. The second part then goes on to treat the biodegradation of a wide range of synthetic polymers, e.g.

substituted cellulose

nylon

polycarbonate

polyvinyl alcohol

polyurethanes

polystyrenes

polyethylene

polyanhydrides.

Inorganic Polyphosphates (G. Kortstee, et al.).

Metabolism of Natural Polymeric Sulfur Compounds (C. Dahl, et al.).

Polythioesters (T. Lütke-Eversloh & A. Steinbüchel).

Polyhydroxymethionine (K. Huthmacher).

Modular Polyketide Synthases (R. Dieckmann & T. Schwecke).

Natural Polyacetals (P. Metzger & C. Largeau).

Hemozoin: a Biocrystal Synthesized during the Degradation of Hemoglobin (D. Sullivan).